“The Diving Board,” his moody, minimal 2013 release, was filled with evocative lyrical narratives and earned a huge stamp of critical approval. But it certainly wasn’t something you’d put on at a party.
Three years on and the 68-year-old is back with a very different emphasis: to bring back the good times with “Wonderful Crazy Night.” John recently told the LA Times that he didn’t “want any sadness on this record,” and his longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin has given him up-tempo lyrics. The result will appeal to fans of John’s ’70s golden period, when he had hits to spare.
Here are three tracks you should seek out.
“Wonderful Crazy Night”
Elton hits the piano, channels some Stevie Wonder-style licks, and brings the warm nostalgia of Taupin’s lyrics to life on the opener. It feels like an old friend has returned.
“Claw Hammer”
This catchy, mid-tempo number is lit up by horns and some fine work by John’s long-serving tour band, who work to conjure the jazzy soul of Stax Records.
“Looking Up”
In Elton’s outlandish, oversize-glasses-wearing heyday, this could have been a huge hit. But there’s still ample room in 2016 for some rollickingly fun, honky-tonk glam.